Over 60,000 worshippers observing I'tikafMAKKAH – Over 60,000 worshippers are observing I'tikaf (spiritual seclusion) in the basements and the King Fahd Expansion of the Grand Mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan. They have come from all over the world to devote themselves to prayer, supplication (du'a), reciting the Holy Qur'an, declaring repentance and asking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. Going down the stairs next to King Fahd Gate from the courtyard of the Grand Mosque, means entering another world. Worshippers here have the bare minimum, such as pillows, bed sheets, some clothes and small boxes where they keep dates for breaking their fast. About 40 percent of those observing I'tikaf are women. Abu Abdullah, 55, who comes from Tunisia, was deeply engrossed in contemplating the spiritual relationship between the Creator and his servants. He said he spent 40 years as a traditional singer, but decided to change his life after his friend got drunk and died in his house. Fadhel, an Arab film producer, said he decided to repent about 20 days before Ramadan. He said he spent 33 years in the world of acting and filmmaking. He had been keen to carry out his first visit to the Grand Mosque this year. Dhaif Al-Hamdi, 60, has been coming to the Grand Mosque for I'tikaf for many years. He has a special pillar in the mosque where he spends his time every year. “This has been my pillar for the past 15 years. I spend the last 10 days of Ramadan here.” He added, “These are meritorious and virtuous days. I can only discern the sweetness of these days here in the Grand Mosque. I recall one year when I was ill at the peak of I'tikaf, but because I was so attached to this act of worship I preferred to remain in I'tikaf.” The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has set aside the basements of the Grand Mosque for Mu'takifs (those who perform I'tikaf). The presidency has distributed over 200,000 leaflets containing important guidance for every Mu'takif, urging them to make the best use of their time and to avoid getting together and chatting. It urged them to recite the Holy Qur'an as much as possible and devote all their time to worship. The presidency has allocated gates 81 and 82 for the entry of Mu'takifs with their personal belongings and it has appointed guides to make sure that the Mu'takif is not carrying anything more than the permitted items, which include a prayer carpet, pillow and bed sheet.
